Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic takeout dish. This recipe combines tender, crispy chicken with a flavorful sweet and sour sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, and the baking process ensures the chicken remains juicy and succulent. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. In this post, we’ll cover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and serving suggestions for creating the best Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup oil
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
2. Coating the Chicken:
- Place the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, place the cornstarch.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, making sure they are well covered.
3. Frying the Chicken:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish.
4. Making the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, garlic powder, sugar, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce evenly over the browned chicken pieces in the baking dish.
5. Baking:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce and to prevent sticking.
- The chicken is done when it is cooked through, the sauce is thickened, and the chicken pieces are caramelized and sticky.
6. Serving:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed white rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Cooking Tips
- Even Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with cornstarch and egg for the best texture.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken pieces to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Sauce Consistency: Stir the chicken every 15 minutes during baking to ensure the sauce evenly coats the chicken and thickens properly.
Variations
- Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple and bell peppers to the baking dish for a fruity twist.
- Spicy Sweet and Sour Chicken: Add a tablespoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve the Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
- Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Noodles: Serve over cooked rice noodles or lo mein for a different texture and flavor combination.
Nutritional Benefits
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. Baking the chicken reduces the amount of oil used, making it lower in fat and calories. Chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, while the sweet and sour sauce adds flavor without overwhelming the dish. By using fresh ingredients and controlling the amount of sugar and salt, this recipe ensures a balanced and nutritious meal.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delicious and healthier version of a beloved takeout classic. The combination of crispy chicken and a tangy, sweet sauce is irresistible, and baking the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken!
